Obituaries
John F. Cullen, 69
March 22, 2022
John F. Cullen, son of the late Philip M. and Martha O’Brien Cullen, of Lancaster and Philadelphia, died March 22, 2022 after a long illness.
Mr. Cullen, a 1970 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, graduated from Villanova University in 1974 with a degree in biology.
He spent his professional life teaching for over 40 years in schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia including St. Coleman’s Elementary School, Ardmore; Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, and later at Lansdale Catholic High School in Lansdale from 1985 to 2011. He taught math and sciences. In addition, he served as activities director at Roman Catholic, and moderator of the ski club at Lansdale Catholic. He took frequent ski trips to Vermont and other states with the club.
He enjoyed traveling in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and gardening, but he derived his greatest joy from helping others.
He also worked in parishes where his uncle, Fr. John F. Cullen, served as pastor in Fort Washington and in Philadelphia.
Survivors include his brothers: Philip M. Cullen III, Esq, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; The Honorable James P. Cullen, (retired) (MaryAnne), Lancaster; and Paul J. Cullen (Linda), Lancaster; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Survivors also include close friends, Christie Butterfield D.Ed., Hershey; Susie Butterfield, Broomall; and Pam Young, Lancaster.
The funeral and burial in St Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery, Lancaster, will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in John’s memory to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.
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Condolences to the Family
March 22, 2023
One year later, still grateful for knowing this generous soul — John Cullen — and for all the Joy he brought my family and me in Ardmore so many years ago. The memories live on: canoeing, volunteering, 1976 waving to Queen Elizabeth in Valley Forge, Harry Chapin in-the-round concert, Marcel Marceau concert (who coincidentally was born 100 years ago today), ballets, weddings, tall ships at Penns Landing. Prayers to Terry and Maria, Christie, Paul and the Cullens, and all of us who loved John. Mary E
April 27, 2022
I was his student At LC in my freshman year; And I STRUGGLED with algebra- after getting over my sheepishness and my misplaced resentment of Mr Cullen I asked him for help.
He told me “math, like many things in life, is more about gaining confidence through mistakes than it is about getting the answers first try”- that stuck with me, I hunkered down- put hours and hours in- passed his class- and later went on to get a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics.
Part of me will always thank him for this.
April 08, 2022
Mr. Cullen was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I had him for Algebra at LC Once I screeched the chalk board while erasing the board with my nails. He pinched his lips together and said Ms Benedict you won’t do that again? So of course I did. All ten nails down the board! He was so proud of all of my accomplishments and always encouraged me to go higher. He would often joke when are you becoming a doctor. I have often thought about getting my doctorate in nursing and would’ve loved to have said hey Mr. Cullen look I did it. I would often go back to LC in my Navy Uniform. He loved the stories I shared.
April 01, 2022
To Pam and John’s family,
i was so sad to hear if John’s passing. He battled this disease and is now at rest. Pam take solace on the fact that you were at his side as his strength and supporter through an extremely difficult time. He knows the depth of your love. May you and the entire Cullen family celebrate John’s life and hold your favorite memories in your heart. Praying for you all at the loss of this truly special kind man. May you all experience a sense of peace with the passage of time.
March 31, 2022
I have lost the love of my life. We were together for over 31 years in good times and bad …fortunately for us it was mostly good times. He loved my son Andy and thought of him as his own along with our daughter-in-law Nicole and Grandson’s Carter and Logan.We were a family. He enjoyed time with our close friends and was always available to help them. People who barely knew us always commented How evident it was that we loved each other so much. His diagnosis four years ago of multiple myeloma cancer was devastating to both of us. But that didn’t stop us from continuing to love and enjoy our time together. When we were told there were no more treatments to do he reached over and took my hand and said “well now it’s just going to be us “. JOHN I miss you terribly. I miss all the fun we had all the talks we had everything we shared with each other. But mostly I miss how you loved me. I love you so very much. Pam
March 29, 2022
I am blessed to have worked with Johnny at Lansdale Catholic and continue our friendship over the years. He was such a dedicated and hardworking teacher, an amazing and supportive friend and he found joy in helping others. John was one of the most caring, thoughtful and supportive friends that anyone could ask for. Johnny was truly a blessing to everyone that he met and I am so fortunate and thankful for the friendship that we had. I will miss the laughs and our talks, but most importanly I will remember the impact that he left on me and others about being a better person, helping others and remaining positive in situations. I have so many fond memories of Johnny and will forever hold them close to my heart, and I will always remember to live like Johnny: to help others, to keep a positive attitude and to be kind.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of the family and friends of John.
-Christina Mulligan
March 29, 2022
My very best friend, my family, and the sunshine of my every day, my everything. John was at the center of my life for 46 years and we had so many adventures together. He had a heart of gold, indomitable humor, and lived to serve others. John was more loved that he realized, and more humble than he should have been. I have never known a kinder soul or a more giving person. He was a truly one of the great guys. This loss is unbearable, but I am so honored and fortunate to have been such a big part of his life.
March 28, 2022
Dear Paul Cullen and Family, Jo Ann and I would like to let you know we were very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother John. Our prayers are with you all. Peace.
March 27, 2022
Dear Pam and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. John was such a wonderful man. We are so glad we got to know him. He will be missed! Sending love and sympathy. Donna and Chuck Kilgore
March 27, 2022
John was a blessing to everyone he met, including me. He is by far one of the most patient, kind, and thoughtful people I have ever met in my life. The last thing in his heart is to bring harm to anyone and it is an honor to have known him. We sure are going to miss him, his generosity and his sweet spirit.
March 27, 2022
Dear Family and friends of John – What a loss. What a life. What a sweet spirit. We were all lucky to know him. For me, he was a kind friend in high school, in all of my classes, and it always was nice to chat with him at reunions. May comfort come to you as time passes. julie bucher, LCHS ’70
March 27, 2022
My deepest condolences for your family’s loss. While I was much younger than John, my life was touched by his mother whom I remember as the sweetest and kindest teacher when I was in 1st grade at Sacred Heart in the late 60s. She had an impact on my life and it’s clear from reading about John that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Offering my prayers for you.